Ottawa – Acne is a common skin condition and there are many ways to treat it. However, some treatments should be used with caution.
Acne is common in young adults, teens and pre-teens and may cause emotional and self-esteem problems. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed. There are many over-the-counter products that can help treat acne.
Acne is caused by inflammation of the oily glands in the skin – they are called sebaceous glands – that contain a fatty material called sebum. When the duct of the gland becomes blocked either by layers of skin, fatty secretions or dirt, a mini-cyst or pimple forms. The cyst can become infected with acne bacteria.
Treatment of acne
Just as acne can range from mild to severe, acne treatments also vary, depending on how serious the problem is. The basic treatment is to remove what is plugging the duct of the gland and, if necessary, kill the acne bacteria. This is done either by applying a product to the skin or by taking medication internally. A treatment applied to the skin is called a topical medication; treatment taken internally is called systemic medication.
Topical medications
The simplest treatment for acne is the daily use of ordinary soap and water. Many topical medications are available over the counter without a prescription. They include:
- medicated soaps;
- salicylic acid ointments and washes; and
- benzoyl peroxide.
Topical prescription products may contain antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin that help control inflammation associated with acne. Topical prescription products may also contain ingredients derived from vitamin A. These products are designed to clean the area, dry up the oiliness, peel the skin and eliminate the acne bacteria present.
Systemic medications
Systemic medications are available only with a prescription from a doctor. They can include:
- antibiotics (such as tetracycline and erythromycin) that attack the acne bacteria;
- vitamin A products called retinoids; or
- hormonal agents, including some oral contraceptives such as Alesse® and Tri-Cyclen®.